By Dave Puglisi

Tiny insects are spreading a devastating disease. Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) believe they’ve discovered something that could help stop Lyme disease before it starts.

Scientists at MIT working on a project called “Mice Against Ticks” say they’ve developed a way to alter mice DNA. Their discovery can make rodents immune to Lyme disease. 

“If you immunize all the mice in a way that’s heritable so that their descendants are also immune,” said Kevin Esvelt.

Doctor Kevin Esvelt and his team plan to study the genetically modified mice on a remote island off the Massachusetts coast. They’ll test whether the science works in the wild.

“On an island if you introduce mouse copies of the resistant strain to the local population, it’s going to stay there. Most of the mice are going to be immune and that’s going to remain the case for probably decades,” said Esvelt.

If the field tests work, the research could move to larger trials on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard –  two Lyme disease hot spots.

“They are very supportive. They understand they have a problem. Their mind is opened about ways to deal with that problem,” said Esvelt.

If the study is successful, genetically modified mice could be introduced into other Massachusetts communities within the next decade.

“It’s definitely a step in the right direction and a path forward and it definitely gives me hope,” said Dean.

Researchers also believe the same approach could help combat dozens of other rodent born diseases.